Mukul's travels had taken him to Senegal with his family. The bright sun, colourful markets, and rhythmic drumbeats fascinated him, but he never wandered without noticing those in need. That was how he spotted Amara N'Dour, seven years old, India-Senegal mix, struggling near a large mango tree.
A ball had gotten stuck high in the branches, and Amara's small frame couldn't reach it. She was frustrated and close to tears. Mukul, curious and fearless, approached.
"Need some help?" he asked softly, tilting his head.
Amara looked at him sceptically but nodded. "Yes… it's stuck so high."
Mukul scanned the tree. With a little thought, he suggested, "Climb carefully using that big root. I'll hold the rope." He found a thin vine nearby and tied it securely around the tree. With Mukul guiding her, Amara climbed and retrieved the ball.
When she landed, she threw her arms around him. "Thank you!" she exclaimed.
Amara noticed something unusual on Mukul's neck—the cluster of seven stars. Her eyes widened. "Your stars… they're real," she whispered. There was an instinctive recognition, as if she knew those stars carried power and destiny.
Mukul shrugged shyly. "They help me remember… things I need to do."
Amara, strong-willed and athletic even for her age, took a deep breath. "Then I will remember you, and I will help you. One day… I'll protect you," she said firmly, her tone like a promise that could not be broken.
Mukul's heart felt warm at her words. Even though they were children, he sensed her strength and determination. He could feel that in the future, she would stand as his shield, ready to face danger alongside him.
They spent the afternoon playing together. Mukul showed her how he drew the seven stars in his notebook. Amara laughed and joined in, making her own version with bold, confident strokes. Their bond, formed through teamwork and mutual respect, felt unshakable even at this young age.
Before they parted ways, Amara clasped his hand tightly. "You're not alone, Mukul. Wherever you go, I'll be there," she vowed.
Mukul smiled, realizing that even though he was still small and the world seemed big, he was not alone. Friends, allies, and guardians were appearing in his life—children with the hearts and skills to stand by him, even before destiny demanded it.
As the sun dipped over the Senegalese horizon, Mukul walked back to his family, carrying the ball and his sketches of stars. He didn't yet know that this meeting with Amara had added the third star to his constellation—a star of courage, protection, and unyielding loyalty.
Somewhere in the rhythm of the drums and the colours of the evening sky, the seeds of Mukul's destiny were growing. The Seven Stars were slowly gathering, each shining in its own way, waiting for the day when they would unite to protect the boy who carried a destiny far greater than any of them could imagine.